word infinitive

Outlining Format

TITLE (if desired, goes here)

General Purpose: This is the 2 word infinitive (To inform, To Entertain, To Instruct or To Persuade) Thus, your general purpose might look like this:

Example: General Purpose: To inform

Specific Purpose: A specific purpose statement builds on your general purpose (listed above) and makes it more specific. It explains the purpose that you are speaking to your audience.

The first 2 words of the specific purpose are the general purpose (To inform, To entertain, To Instruct or To persuade).

The next words are the audience (my audience or my classmates),

and the last part of the specific purpose is the speech topic. Thus, your specific purpose might look like this:

Example 1: Specific Purpose: To inform my audience of the special characteristics of my mother

Example 2: Specific Purpose: To inform my audience through a commemorative speech of the outstanding qualities of the Red Cross

Central Idea: The central idea is ONE sentence that contains a summary of the main points of the body.

Example: My mother had many special characteristics, but three most worthy of praise are her love of family, her love of community, and her love of God.

Introduction: (The word “introduction” should be typed on the outline)

The introduction can be written out fully in paragraph format OR written in main point format with Roman Numerals, etc. It should contain at least the following elements:

Gain the attention of your audience, reveal/state the topic, establish credibility, and preview the points of the body.

Body: (The word “Body” should be typed on the outline)

The body is ALWAYS written in main point format (see below). You should refer to the outlining chapter in the textbook for rules on a consistent pattern of symbolization and indentation. You should have between 2-5 main points.

1. (A main point goes here. This is the first thing your audience needs to know about your topic to help them understand your specific purpose.)
2. Subpoints are the examples you use to support the main points. They are represented by capital letters. If you have an “A”, you must have a “B”.
3. If you need support or clarify the examples, use numbers.
4. If you have a “1”, you must have a “2”.
5. Another subpoint example can go here.
6. You must have at least 2 and no more than 5 main points.

A.

1.

2.

B.

C.

1.

2.

III. Third main point, if necessary.

A.

B.

Conclusion (The word “Conclusion” should be typed on the outline.)

You should write the conclusion out in full paragraph format, IF you wrote the introduction out in full sentences. You should use main point structure, IF you used main point structure in the introduction. The conclusion should contain at least the following elements:

Signal the end of your speech, re-state your topic, recap of the main points you made, and a clincher sentence/closing statement.